The Right Choices: Nutritional Counseling for Dogs

At Livermore Family Pet Hospital, we know your dog is more than a pet—they’re family. That’s why we offer personalized nutritional counseling to support your dog’s health and happiness through every stage of life.

From playful puppies to active adults and wise seniors, a dog’s nutritional needs evolve over time. Choosing the right diet can help prevent diseases, support energy levels, ease aging joints, and keep your dog feeling their best every day. Whether you're feeding a brand-new puppy, managing an adult dog’s weight, or supporting a senior with changing metabolism and mobility needs, we're here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

One of the most common health concerns we see in dogs is unintentional weight gain. It’s easy to overfeed a dog that begs with a wagging tail and hopeful eyes, but excess weight can lead to serious problems such as joint pain, heart disease, diabetes, and reduced mobility. In fact, over 59% of dogs in North America are overweight or obese—making this the most common preventable disease in our canine companions.

Dogs are considered overweight when they are 10–20% above their ideal body weight, and obese when they are more than 20% over. But with the right balance of nutrition, portion control, and exercise, we can help your dog return to and maintain a healthy weight.

Through our nutritional counseling services, we can:

  • Help you select the right food based on your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical needs
  • Create a custom feeding plan to support healthy growth, energy, or weight loss
  • Guide you through life-stage transitions, like weaning, adolescence, adulthood, and senior care
  • Offer advice on treats, supplements, and managing picky appetites or special diets

Your dog’s well-being is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet—whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or caring for a senior—we’re here to help. Let’s work together to create a nutrition plan that supports your dog’s health at every age, so they can enjoy a long, active, and joyful life by your side.